Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE or “skiffy”) is one of the most common injuries to the hip joint in children and adolescents and typically occurs between ages 10-16, during the phase of rapid growth.  It disproportionately affects obese children and is more common in males than females.  SCFE is an injury to the growth plate of the ball of the ball-and-socket joint of the hip and results from a weakening of the cartilage growth plate.  Due to the weakening of the growth plate, the top segment of the ball (femoral epiphysis) can slide off of its attachment to the thigh bone (femoral neck) – similar to ice cream falling off a cone.  This can be mild or severe and typically results in pain in the groin or knee without any major preceding trauma.  The diagnosis can often be missed as many patients with SCFE have knee pain and the hip can be ignored.  Any painful limp in a child age 10-16 should be properly evaluated with a thorough examination and radiographs.  Treatment is surgical and involves stabilizing the displaced ball by pinning it in place with a metal screw through a small incision.  In severe cases, where the ball shares little contact with the femoral neck, an open procedure may be indicated which allows the surgeon to optimally position and secure the ball back on the femoral neck.